Punjab to frame reservation policy for Agniveers in govt jobs

Chandigarh, May 12 (IANS) The Punjab government on Tuesday decided to formulate a reservation policy for rehabilitating Agniveers in state government jobs after completion of their tenure under the Agnipath scheme.​

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has constituted a high-powered committee comprising civil and police officers to finalise the modalities and framework for extending reservation benefits to Agniveers.​

Chairing a high-level meeting here, Chief Minister Mann gave in-principle approval to extend reservation to Agniveers and said the policy framework should be finalised in a time-bound manner so that these trained and disciplined youth can become an integral part of the state’s social and economic development.​

“The basic contours of the reservation policy need to be worked out in a comprehensive manner so that Agniveers returning after serving the nation can be meaningfully rehabilitated and their skills can be utilised for the progress of Punjab,” an official statement quoted the Chief Minister as saying.​

The constituted committee, comprising officers Vikas Partap, Bhawna Garg, Sumer Singh Gurjar, and S.S. Srivastva, will prepare recommendations and finalise the modalities for the reservation and recruitment of Agniveers across various departments.​

Highlighting the capabilities of Agniveers, Chief Minister Mann said their services can be effectively utilised in departments such as Punjab Police, Forest Guards, Fire Fighting Services, Jails, Home Guards, Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation, and several other wings of the government.​

“The criteria regarding reservation and selection of Agniveers should be finalised at the earliest so that the services of these highly skilled and disciplined youth can be utilised in the best possible manner,” he said.​

The Chief Minister further said Punjab has always played a historic role in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country.​

“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that, besides being the food bowl of the country, Punjab is also known as the sword arm of the nation. The people of Punjab are recognised across the world for their courage, resilience, and spirit of enterprise,” Chief Minister Mann added.​

Recognising the immense contribution made by personnel of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and Agniveers in protecting the nation, Chief Minister Mann said the state government already provides financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to families of martyrs who lay down their lives in the line of duty.​

--IANS

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